The iBend iPhone stand
Useful tech gifts that provide great function don’t necessarily have to come at a high price. Most people would be pleased with their home theater after splurging for a 60-inch HDTV — that’s money well spent! — but they may also be tickled by a $6 stand for watching video on an iPhone (see below). In the competitive world of gadget enhancement, there are many smart buys for some pretty useful items.
This list includes a baker’s dozen stocking stuffers for friends, co-workers and family.
Aluratek USB Radio tuner. You can use your Web browser to search the globe for interesting radio stations, or you can plug this thumb-sized radio tuner into your PC. One of my favorite products, the Aluratek USB Radio tuner can access more than 13,000 radio stations. It’s a snap to use. One drawback: it only works with Windows-based computers. $20.
Chumby. Love the Internet? Let it wake you up in the morning. The Chumby Classic is a Wi-Fi enabled alarm clock, Web-radio player, news source and so much more. This cushy little gadget has a touch screen and access to a ton of apps (sound familiar?) to bring the world to your nightstand. $199. A newer, less cushy version has recently been released — the Chumby One — for $99. (Review to come.)
Darth Vadar USB flash drive. Talk about a cool item to solidify your geek credentials. The Darth Vadar USB flash drive is one of many character-themed flash drives from Tyme Machines. The drives come in 4, 8 or 16 gb sizes and start at $30.
Eye-Fi card. Use the Eye-Fi card to send images wirelessly from your digital camera to your computer (or straight to Facebook, Shutterfly or other photo-sharing sites). This SD photo card includes built-in Wi-Fi chip, turning any camera that uses SD memory (most point-and-shoots do) into a wireless device. When you come home from a photo-filled family outing, turn on your camera and the card starts transmitting the photos. Some Eye-Fi cards send videos. Several versions, starting at $49.
Flip video camera. Since networking giant Cisco Systems bought the Flip Video line from Pure Digital Technologies, Flip’s marketing has been very aggressive. Rightfully so, as I’ve been a Flip fan for several years. These great little video cameras slip into your pocket so you can capture family moments you might otherwise miss. Consider unwrapping this stocking stuffer before the big day so you can capture the spirit your kids bring to the season. Models start at $150.
iBend iPhone stand. When I took the iBend out of its package, I thought there was no way this colorful piece of paper would work as a stand for an iPhone or iPod touch. Wrong! It is awesome! And only $6 — for two! The iBend is a piece of textured paper with two grooves, a groovy design, and the amazing ability to keep an iPhone upright on a table so you can watch a movie. Keep it in your wallet for the next time you hop on a plane. Amazing. Did I mention $6?
iPig speaker. If you’re looking for a quirky (and quality) portable iPod speaker, you can’t go wrong with Speakal’s iPig. This adorable squeaker (there’s also an iPanda and iBoo) really kicks out the jams for an item the size of a mini-basketball. It’s darn cute, too. $119.
iPod shuffle. Apple’s smallest iPod is also the most clever. The iPod shuffle has no external controls; rather, you control the volume or change the song through the headphones. The tiny shuffle is great for workouts, offers 2gb or 4gb of storage and comes in several colors. It even talks to you. $59. Third-party headphones with the built-in controls are available from Klipsch, V-MODA, and Belkin.
Joby Gorillapod. The Gorillapod is a small, strong and flexible tripod for point-and-shoot digital cameras. It is small enough to comfortably fit into a pocket or camera bag but made to twist around a tree branch or sit on an uneven patch of ground. A must-have for the traveling shutterbug. Several versions are availbable for dSLRS, iPhones and other mobile devices. Prices start at $22.
Juice pack air. The biggest gripe from most iPhone owners is the device’s poor battery life. The juice pack air is a clever solution to this problem–it’s an iPhone case with a built-in battery. When your iPhone is running low, just turn on the case to charge the device. One drawback: the case is heavier than most. $79.
Powerstick. This portable power charger slips into a briefcase, purse or pocket and provides a shot of power when your gadget is near empty. The Powerstick charges through a computer’s USB port and ships with nine “tips” to power an assortment of gadgets, including the iPhone, BlackBerry, digital camera or a music player. $50.
Sound ID 400 Bluetooth. The simplicity of operation and sound clarity with the Sound ID line of Bluetooth earpieces make it a top choice. Sure, it still sounds like you’re talking with a Bluetooth device but the reliability is excellent. Few people will say, “Hey, I didn’t catch that. Can you repeat what you said?” while you chat with a Sound ID model. The Sound ID 400 is the latest entry. $130.
Threadless iPhone cases. I love the clever t-shirts from Threadless.com — a great stocking stuffer, too — and now the firm has partnered with Griffin Technology to develop iPhone cases. More choices are needed but this partnership offers a unique product for a minor investment. A true “first kid on the block” opportunity. $35.
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